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Quoddy Head State Park: Easternmost Point of the USA

Explore Maine's Quoddy Head State Park: the easternmost point in the USA, featuring a historic lighthouse, scenic trails, and stunning coastal views.

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Quoddy Head State Park, located in Lubec, Maine, marks the easternmost point of the continental United States. The 541-acre park features the iconic red-and-white striped West Quoddy Head Light, diverse hiking trails, dramatic coastal views, and unique sub-arctic plants. It's a prime spot for witnessing the sunrise and exploring Maine's rugged coastline.

A brief summary to Quoddy Head State Park

Local tips

  • Visit during May 15th to October 15th to access the visitor center, light keeper's quarters, and museum.
  • Arrive early to witness the sunrise, as Quoddy Head is the first place in the USA to see it for a few weeks around the equinoxes.
  • Bring binoculars for whale watching in the summer and bird watching throughout the year.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, as some trails can be rocky and uneven.
  • Be prepared for drastic weather changes, and be aware that cell coverage can be spotty along the trails.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Route 189 in downtown Lubec, turn right onto South Lubec Road and follow it for 2 miles. At the fork, bear left and continue for another 2 miles to the park entrance. Parking is available within the park. Day-use fees are payable at the self-service collection station at the picnic area parking lot.

  • Public Transport

    From Bar Harbor, take the bus to Whiting, ME. From Whiting, it is approximately 16 miles to Quoddy Head State Park. Consider a taxi or rideshare for the final leg of the journey. Bus fare from Bar Harbor to Whiting ranges from $45 to $160. A taxi or rideshare from Whiting to the park may cost approximately $30-$50.

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Discover more about Quoddy Head State Park

Quoddy Head State Park, encompassing 541 acres, is situated on the easternmost peninsula of the United States in Lubec, Maine. The park's name, Quoddy Head, comes from the Passamaquoddy tribe, meaning “fertile and beautiful place”. This stunning park combines natural beauty with historical significance, offering visitors a variety of experiences, from hiking and wildlife watching to exploring the iconic West Quoddy Head Light. The park's landscape is characterized by rugged coastlines and impressive dark cliffs that date back to the Silurian Age, approximately 420 million years ago. These cliffs were formed by volcanic magma solidifying into gabbro rock. The West Quoddy Head Light, first built in 1808 and rebuilt in 1858, stands as a beacon guiding mariners through the Quoddy Channel. Although the tower is currently closed to the public, the grounds, visitor center, and museum offer insights into the lighthouse's history and maritime significance. The lighthouse was among the first to utilize a fog bell and steam-powered foghorn to prevent maritime disasters. Quoddy Head State Park offers five miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and along the rocky coast. The trails range in difficulty, providing options for all skill levels. The Coastal Trail offers challenging terrain and spectacular ocean views, while the Inland Trail provides a moderate walk through moss-rich conifer woods. Visitors can also explore the unique Bog Trail, which features sub-arctic plants rarely seen south of Canada. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot whales offshore during the summer months and observe various bird species throughout the year. The park is also the closest geographic point in the United States to the continent of Africa.

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